Local Talents Shine at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum + Archives in Brampton

Abandoned Root Cellar, 1969, watercolour on paper, Gift of Dr. David and Mrs. Carol Dickson, 2023 © David Blackwood Estate

Local Talents Shine at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum + Archives in Brampton

This winter, Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) has two new exciting collectionand donation-based exhibitions.

In Love and In Art: Jim Reid, Gina Rorai, Peggy Taylor Reid, and David Urban present the works of artist couples to question what influences they may have on one another’s practices. Having developed their artistic careers side by side while raising their families, they must have had some impact on one another’s creative output. Or have they? The answer is in the eyes of the beholder.

David Blackwood: Ode to Newfoundland features a recent acquisition of works on paper by the nationally acclaimed the late David Blackwood (1941-2022). This collection was donated by local collectors Carold Dickson and Dr. David Dickson. The works consist of the artist’s famed dark and moody scenes of Newfoundland’s past sea exploits as well as lesserknown colourful landscapes.

David Blackwood is closely connected to Peel Region as he was the first Artist-in-Residence at Erindale College, University of Toronto in Mississauga in 1969, a position he held until 1975. In 1992, the Erindale College Art Gallery was renamed the Blackwood Gallery in his honour. Blackwood marked another milestone in Brampton when, in 1971, he married his bride Anita in PAMA’s historic Courthouse. Alas, no pictures were taken to mark the civil ceremony.

Don't miss PAMA's new impressive outdoor banners featuring local artist Meegan Lim's Apple a Day. This work draws attention to food insecurity in today’s economic reality of high inflation and the rising cost of living. Reminiscent of the fairytale of Jack and the Beanstalk, her colourful illustration of people competing to climb a massive, tall tree crowned by an encased golden apple demonstrates life’s constant struggle to reach the top of the metaphorical financial ladder. This exhibition has been organized in partnership with Brampton Arts Organization (BAO).

PAMA has many exciting events and workshops year-round for all ages. This December, join them for:

• Connections Art & Book Club in partnership with Brampton Library: Thursday, Dec. 5

• Winter Break Studio Time Drop-in Activities – Cozy Creations: Dec. 27, 30, Jan. 2 and 3

• Winter Break at PAMA: A Day of Folktales and Music: Saturday, Dec. 28

• Visit pama.peelregion.ca to learn more.

PAMA is a fully accessible facility and offers free parking on-site and in nearby municipal lots. Admission to PAMA is affordable at $20 for a family of two adults and up to five kids, $8 for adults and $6 for seniors and students. They also offer free passes available for sign-out at libraries in Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon, Vaughan and Milton.

Visit pama.peelregion.ca or follow them on social @visitpama to find out more. Visit them on-site at 9 Wellington Street East in downtown Brampton.